Swans look to youth against Roos

Sydney have already had an off-field win over North Melbourne this week and their youthful and smaller forward line will be looking to outsmart the Kangaroos' taller veteran backs at the SCG.

The teams clash on Saturday, just a few days after outstanding youngster Nick Blakey revealed he had chosen Sydney over North and Brisbane as his preferred AFL destination in this year's national draft.

The Swans enter the round-one spot and four points ahead of a Kangaroos side striving to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this season.

With Lance Franklin still sidelined, Sydney are set to field a forward line with no-one over 189cms for the second straight week, following the notable last round away win over Geelong.

North's experienced key defenders Robbie Tarrant and Scott Thompson will each enjoy a significant height advantages over any Sydney opponent.

They will have one less tall down back with the injured Majak Daw replaced by the smaller Sam Wright.

Wright returns to the AFL after a a 701-day absence, while forward Mason Wood also makes his first senior appearance of the season in place of the rested Jarrad Waite.

Shaun Higgins has been recalled after missing last week with concussion, though North coach Brad Scott said he might wait until the last minute before confirming he would play.

Sydney made just one change to their side, with utility Dean Towers back from an eye bleed, replacing Dan Robinson.

Among his duties, Towers can expect to go up against the much taller Todd Goldstein in the ruck, when Callum Sinclair needs a rest.

The Swans have won five of their last six matches against North, who have also lost fIve of their last six at the SCG.

But the Swans have been less impressive at home this year, winning just once in three games and losing to both Adelaide clubs.